Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Quisumbing Torres is well regarded for its integrity, and clients appreciate its commitment to avoiding bribery and corruption. “[The firm] is well known in the industry as a firm who sticks fast to its principles,” says one client.

The firm’s banking and finance group is led by partner Felix Sy, a fixture in Manila’s legal community. Clients describe him as a “capable and professional” legal mind.

Sy acted for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in conducting due diligence on its acquisition of a British corporation that holds a minority interest in two power companies in the Philippines.

Clients and peers laud Quisumbing Torres for its international connections obtained through its membership in Baker & McKenzie’s network. The firm’s global contacts mean it is an obvious choice for many multinational corporations.

The firm’s focus on service is also notable. “The firm’s lawyers are highly accessible and always willing to deliver according to clients’ expectations,” says one client. “The firm is also proactive in updating clients with development issues and policies – such as new laws and other statutes – that would affect key industry sectors.”

Leading lawyers include head of the energy, mining and infrastructure practice, Pearl Liu, and head of the corporate and commercial area, Jocelyn Gregorio-Reyes.

“They are my go-to people,” says one client of Quisumbing Torres. The firm’s strong corporate practice and credibility is due to its membership in Baker & McKenzie’s global network, and this has made the firm a strong choice for real estate work in the Philippines.

Although the firm is better known for its IP and corporate practices, the Elizabeth Opena led real estate practice is conducting groundbreaking work in the development of Reits in the Philippines. Opena herself is a noted specialist in this area.

Partner Pearl Liu, head of the Corporate and Commercial practice, is also a noted figure with years of expertise on real estate related M&A transactions.

Although Quisumbing Torres does not have a dedicated energy practice, its energy expertise is buoyed by its strong corporate and finance practice. Led by well regarded partner Felix Sy, the firm is regularly involved on landmark deals involving international parties because of its good reputation and strong connections as a Baker & McKenzie member firm.

Sy advised KEPCO in conjunction with Baker & McKenzie’s Hong Kong team on the legal due diligence of its acquisition of a British holding company that owned minority stakes in two power generating companies in the Philippines. The team also advised KEPCO on Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) registration and the operation and control of installed generating capacity under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and Energy Regulatory Commission regulations.

Quisumbing Torres is a Baker & McKenzie member firm whose IP practice specialises in trade mark registration and enforcement. It advises staple Baker & McKenzie multinational corporate clients such as Unilever and Proctor & Gamble, but also handles the account for L’Oreal and Starbucks in the Philippines. It is the only full service firm in the Philippines that has a dedicated department covering IP matters.

Head of practice André Philippe G Betita is recommended by peers for his lengthy experience in the IP area.

In the firm’s most notable activity this year, it participated in drafting the new Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Quisumbing Torres is a standout firm in many practice areas, but its labour and employment practice garners exceptional praise. This area also works in tandem with the firm’s corporate practice to ensure seamless advice to clients.

Multinational companies also appreciate Quisumbing Torres’s international links through the Baker & McKenzie network.

Noted partner Kenneth Chua leads the outsourcing industry group while partner Gil Roberto Zerrudo heads the labour and employment practice. Both are highly regarded within the Philippine legal community.

Chua has represented several multinational corporations on labour matters, particularly those that involve outsourcing. Meanwhile, Zerrudo focuses on employment contracts, benefits and compensation, and terminations, and also handles all related litigation.

Quisumbing Torres has one of the strongest shipping, maritime and aviation practices in the Philippines due to the broad expertise and exceptional abilities of the lawyers in its corporate and litigation practices. International carriers frequently utilise the firm for its international capabilities and membership in the Baker & McKenzie network.

Partner Rodrigo Lope Quimbo, who heads the litigation practice, has tremendous experience in the aviation area, having handled cases involving aircraft accidents and liability suits. He is also a faculty member of the De La Salle College of Law.

Alexandre Dueñas, elected partner in 2009, is also an up-and-coming attorney in Quisumbing Torres’s litigation practice. He handles cases involving both aviation and aerospace technology.

Quisumbing Torres expanded its tax capabilities this year by adding an associate. In a practice that is led by partner Dennis Dimagiba and houses just two partners and four associates, such an addition is a welcome boost.

The firm’s membership in the Baker & McKenzie network results in work from many multinational companies looking to gain a foothold in the Philippines. For example, it has advised companies from jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, China, Denmark and the US this year on various Philippine tax matters.